If you’re not following Heath Ceramics on Instagram, I highly suggest it. Their account features a curated look at their gorgeous wares and the inspiration behind them. (You also don’t want to miss the account about their enormous and ridiculously adorable Newfoundland dog, Oliver.) The duo behind the brand are husband and wife team, Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic, who purchased the company back in 2003 and set out to revitalize it. The renowned brand was struggling at the time so the pair quickly got to work and have forged a path all their own while still honoring its legacy. Over the years, they’ve opened several showrooms and a new tile factory, collaborated with various artists and companies, developed new products, and won some very prestigious awards, like Cooper Hewitt’s National Design Award in 2015. Along with running the company, they’ve somehow managed to find the time to write a book, Tile Makes The Room, have a child, remodel several homes, and still remain married, which is pretty miraculous! Let’s have a look at the things, people, and places that they love and that inspire them, in this week’s Friday Five.
1. Natalie Chanin and her work
The preservation of craft mixed with Natalie’s creativity, talent and passion to follow what she loves inspires us. Oh, and the scones at her cafe as well!
2. Traveling by Train (and not just in Europe)
It makes us take time to appreciate the land, the people, the moment, scale big and small.
3. Tung Chiang’s Clay Studio – upstairs in the Heath Building
It’s about the space, the light, and the creativity and beauty that comes out of the studio.
4. Ninamu French Polynesia
Incredible solitude and connection to the water. The landscape is remote and spectacular, and the handful of dreamy bungalows built with walls of coral by the owner Chris O’Callaghan are perfection.
5. Bruce Weber’s book Gentle Giants
What could be more perfect: Bruce Weber’s photography capturing the beauty and absurdness of Newfoundland dogs.